Pinot candy. On the nose this would be picked, blind, as a Pinot Noir, with cherry pits, cola, a touch of black earth, and a very pretty floral background of rosewater. Cherries and plum lead on the palate, followed by black tea. Everything then takes an interesting candied turn, with the fruit flavors taking a pastry-filling sweetness over a smoky background. Acids give this a real zing. Drink with cedar planked salmon. Recommended. 90 Points.
WHO: La Rochelle
WHAT: Pinot Noir
DESIGNATION: Saralee’s Vineyard
WHERE: California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
WHEN: 2012
HOW MUCH: $38
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